Global Warming and CO2 Emissions
摘要
This chapter presents a quantitative analysis of global warming, focusing on the rise in Earth’s surface temperature and its primary driver: anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Scientific consensus—confirmed by over 99% of peer-reviewed studies—shows that human activities, especially fossil fuel combustion, are the dominant cause of recent climate change. Historical data clearly demonstrate the link between energy use and rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, particularly since the Industrial Revolution. This chapter explains the greenhouse effect, emphasizing the infrared absorption characteristics of CO₂ and its persistence in the atmosphere, which continues to amplify warming over time. Key environmental consequences include sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. This chapter also addresses widespread misconceptions about the physical mechanisms of warming and clarifies the distinction between natural variability and human-induced change. A central theme is that understanding global warming through numerical evidence is essential for policy design and public engagement. By analyzing CO₂ sources, sinks, and long-term climate impacts, this chapter provides a foundational understanding of why urgent action is needed—and why it must be grounded in science.